League Specific 11/17/2015

Paul of hartford, CT USA asks...

When the 'no heading' rule goes into effect for the younger ages, what is the resulting call if a player heads the ball during a game? Is it treated like a handling call? Will the offense be determined similarly? (ie. ball-to-head vs. head-to-ball)...

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/17/2015

Joey Ingle of Tupelo, Mississippi USA asks...

How would you handle the following situation: A direct free kick foul has been called around the midfield area. One of the defenders stands in front of the ball, the offensive player ask for ten yards. After that the defender which is standing ...

Mechanics 11/14/2015

Dave Erwin of Newington, Connecticut United States asks...

I have had the situation in which at the start of a half one team is out on the field, The Referees are in position but the second playing team is still at the bench getting final instructions. I am somewhat patient but after the opponent and my cre...

Law 11 - Offside 11/10/2015

R Bogh of Beaumont, California United States asks...

In an Adult Game a forward takes a long shot on Goal. The Keeper (With no attackers near (20 Yards Away) Takes his fists and intentionally punches the ball. A player in an Offside position (About 20 Yards away) comes up and Plays the Ball. My fell...

Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/10/2015

Jay Pignatello of MANHATTAN BEACH, CA United States asks...

I ref a lot of games, usually without conflict, but recently had my first KFTM game to decide the winner. LUckily, I had reviewed the rules several times before the game, and everything went smoothly, with one exception:

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/9/2015

Derek of Cary, IL USA asks...

What is the proper signal for an IFK? USSF's videos show you should signal the direction of the kick first, then raise the same hand straight up. But if I watch 10 referees, I'm going to see 10 different IFK signals. I'm also unsure how long I ...

Mechanics 11/5/2015

Scott of Livermore, CA USA asks...

Would you mind describing the actual mechanics you use for a sporting restart when you are not sure if the teams fully understand it? I've worked younger or rec games where if I suggest it the players look at me like I'm talking a foreign language. I...

Law 3 - Number of Players 11/1/2015

Robert of Olympia, WA USA asks...

We have a league here that does a more advanced substitution method. In the first half, players cannot re-enter the game once substituted, but in the second half they are allowed one re-entry after being subbed.

Mechanics 10/28/2015

james of new york, ny usa asks...

Whether a center or assistant referee, I generally refrain from verbally calling out things such as 'watch the pushing/holding/arms/etc'. I feel that if a foul is occurring, I should call it rather than giving players 'warnings' like this, or if ther...

Offside Question?

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Ask The Ref ( Ask The Soccer Referee ) is a volunteer organization paid for by sponsorships. Licensed Soccer Referees make up our international panel. We respond to numerous soccer questions related to the rules and regulations of soccer which is governed by FIFA. 11/19/2018